Clinton Art Society was founded in 1949 by a small group of professional artists dedicated to the growth of the arts in Connecticut shoreline communities. The Bea Breck Foundation provided a $5000 grant to get CAS started. A few of the original members are still current members! In 1971, CAS was incorporated as an association. In 2016 CAS revised it’s by-laws and elected officers.
Since it’s inception, CAS has held several exhibitions each year both juried and non-juried to offer the members a venue to show their work. CAS now has ongoing exhibitions all year which include 2 member shows, one in the spring and one in the fall, that are open to all members, one show just for Elected Members, and two juried shows. The summer juried show is the only show that is open to both members and non-members and draws artists from all over Connecticut and beyond.
In 1953, CAS held a junior exhibition for children. Artwork ranged from finger paintings by a three year old – who is still an active member – to watercolors and a pen and ink drawing by a 16 year old.
In 2013, the Town of Clinton celebrated it’s 350th anniversary and Clinton Art Society hosted four separate and different art exhibitions at the 350th Celebration Headquarters at 30 Main Street.
In 2024, CAS celebrated 75 years with a big party attended by local officials, many artists and local citizens of Clinton.